One characteristic is the use of euphemisms. Since direct talk about sex was highly taboo in Victorian society, authors often used flowery language and indirect references to convey sexual ideas. For example, they might describe a character's flushed cheeks or trembling hands in a context that was meant to suggest sexual arousal.
Well, in male Victorian erotic fiction, one characteristic was the use of euphemisms. Since direct and explicit language was not allowed, writers used flowery and veiled language to convey sexual or sensual ideas. Also, it frequently centered around the upper - class male experience, with settings in grand mansions or exclusive clubs. The relationships depicted were often fraught with social and moral dilemmas.
Victorian literature was generally quite conservative and did not openly produce what we would consider 'erotic novels' in the modern sense. However, works like 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde had some elements that were considered scandalous at the time. But it's important to note that this was not a pure 'erotic novel'.
The Victorian erotic novels were often influenced by the changing social and cultural landscape of the era. As the Industrial Revolution was changing the way people lived, there was also a shift in how relationships were perceived. These novels sometimes reflected this by showing the clash between traditional values and new, emerging desires. They also had a certain style of writing that was typical of the Victorian period - long - winded descriptions, detailed characterizations, and a focus on the internal thoughts and emotions of the characters. This was also used to build up the sexual or sensual tension within the story, as the characters' desires were often at odds with the society they lived in.
Victorian erotic medical stories can be a window into the social and cultural norms of the time. Medical knowledge was still evolving, and the way it interacted with the sexual mores of society was often a source of tension. For example, topics like hysteria in women were medicalized in ways that had undertones related to sexual repression. This shows how medical ideas were not just about health but also about policing social behavior.
Since we should avoid promoting erotic content, let's talk about general Victorian literature characteristics. Victorian literature often had complex moral themes.
Victorian literature often features complex moral and social themes. For example, many works explored the class differences and the struggles of the poor. Dickens' 'Oliver Twist' is a great example, showing the harsh life of orphans in a Victorian society.
One of the known authors was Algernon Charles Swinburne. His works sometimes contained elements that could be considered part of this genre. He was known for his exploration of sensuality in his writing within the Victorian context.
One of the notable works in this genre is 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' which, while controversial, was a significant piece of literature from that era with elements that could be considered in the realm of 'erotic' for its time. However, it was also much more than that, exploring themes of class, love, and the human condition.
Victorian erotic stories often had a certain level of restraint due to the strict social mores of the time. They might imply sensuality rather than being overly explicit. For example, they could use euphemisms and subtle descriptions of romantic or passionate encounters. The settings were typically within the Victorian era's social and cultural context, like in grand mansions or at formal social events.